Dystonia Treatment in Tacoma, WA

Persons with dystonia will experience involuntary muscle contractions that lead to repetitive twisted motions. Dystonia is a neurological disorder of the basal ganglia. This area of the brain controls some our movements by adjusting for speed and fluidity, hence why any dysfunction of the basal ganglia will result in sudden muscle spasms.

Dystonia is often genetic and misdiagnosed.  Many patients, after years of searching, have found relief under the expert guidance of Dr. Patrick J. Hogan. 

What Are the Signs of Dystonia?

This condition will typically appear in one area of the body first, and later begin to affect other regions as the dystonia worsens over time. It is not uncommon for symptoms of dystonia to differ from one patient to another, though most individuals will experience one or more of the following:

• Patterned body movements
• Muscle spasms that accompany a particular activity or position
• Corresponding movements on the opposite side of the body

Other symptoms that are common among those with dystonia but do not relate to muscle function are feelings of depression or anxiety.

What Areas of the Body Are Affected By Dystonia?

This neurological disorder can present itself in many ways. Some people only experience dystonia in a single spot, which is known as focal dystonia. If these involuntary movements are happening in multiple areas, then it is often a case of segmental dystonia. Finally, there is general dystonia, which occurs all over the body.

Typically, an individual with dystonia will notice involuntary muscle spasms in one or more of the following areas:

• Muscles of the neck (cervical dystonia)
• Muscles of the eyelid (blepharospasm)
• Muscles of the jaw (oral-mandibular Dystonia)
• Muscles involved in speech (laryngeal Dystonia)
• Muscles of the hand (writer’s cramp)

How Is Dystonia Treated?

The best therapy for dystonia involves injections with one of the botulinum toxins (Botox, Myobloc, Dysport, or Xeomin). Dr. Hogan was the first neurologist in the state of Washington trained to utilize Botox over 30 years ago. He has had extensive experience using all four of these botulinum toxin therapies. 

As with all conditions that we treat, the optimal response to treatment requires initiation of a comprehensive holistic approach that includes exercise, support, diet, and others. (see link to 10 secrets to treatment of dystonia). Before any treatment, however, a complete neurological history and exam to evaluate for drug-induced dystonia or metabolic causes is first conducted.